Committee raises spousal surcharge to curb dual-coverage costs

The committee debated increasing the spousal-surcharge fee, which charges employees an additional amount if a working spouse has access to employer-provided coverage. Staff said the surcharge was implemented in 2007 and has not been updated since. The meeting reviewed participation and projected revenue under increments of $50, $150, $200 and $250; committee members said $200 would likely prompt reconsideration by employees while smaller increases would not materially change behavior.